Mitchell Starc Delivers a Perth Masterclass
Veteran fast bowler Mitchell Starc produced a spellbinding performance at Perth Stadium, single-handedly dismantling the England batting lineup and powering Australia to a comprehensive victory in the first Ashes Test. The 35-year-old left-armer, whose career has often been labelled underrated, claimed a stunning 10 wickets in the match, including a first-innings haul of 7 for 58 – his best-ever Test figures.
A First-Over Nemesis
Starc’s ability to strike early is legendary, and this match was no exception. He removed Zak Crawley in the first over of both England innings, a feat that marked the 21st time in his Test career he has taken a wicket in the opening over of an innings. His dominance over England’s key batsmen was absolute; he dismissed Joe Root, Ben Stokes, and Crawley twice each, with the trio managing a paltry combined total of just 16 runs.
His hold over Ben Stokes is particularly telling. The brutal delivery that clean bowled Stokes in the second innings was the 11th time Starc has dismissed him in Test cricket, with five of those wickets seeing Stokes’s stumps shattered.
Former Australian wicketkeeper Brad Haddin was full of praise in the post-match analysis, stating, "He’s at the top of his game, he stood up at all big moments... I think he bowled smart, with clear plans."
Joining the Pantheon of Australian Greats
The figures from this match have only bolstered the argument that Starc belongs among Australia's cricketing elite. During the first session in Perth, he surpassed the significant milestone of 100 Ashes wickets. He is a member of an exclusive club, being only the second Australian fast bowler after Glenn McGrath to take 400 Test wickets. In the all-time Australian wicket-takers list, only McGrath, Nathan Lyon, and Shane Warne sit above him.
Commentator Kerry O’Keeffe’s description of Starc as "one of the most underrated cricketers Australia have produced" seems increasingly difficult to dispute. With 17 five-wicket hauls, he trails only the legendary Wasim Akram (25) among left-arm pacemen.
An Athlete with Perspective
Despite the intense pressure and spotlight of the Ashes, Starc remains remarkably grounded. Speaking before the series began, he highlighted the fickle nature of public attention, noting the stark contrast in messages received between a Test in the West Indies and an Ashes encounter. "It’s another game," he shrugged, demonstrating a focus that has become a hallmark of his late-career resurgence.
Off the field, he forms one of sport’s most formidable partnerships with his wife, Australian women’s team captain Alyssa Healy. His modesty and perspective, combined with his ferocious talent, make him a unique and respected figure in world cricket.
With Australia’s bowling cavalry of Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood returning to the nets, England’s failure to capitalise in Perth looms large. The sound of Mitchell Starc’s rhythmic run-up, however, will continue to echo as a warning for the challenges that lie ahead in the series.
